Airbnb has launched its Open Homes Program (https://www.airbnb.com/dorianmainland) to help displaced residents and relief workers deployed to the southeast region impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing to displaced residents, and disaster relief workers in the activation area.

The Open Homes Program for Hurricane Dorian was first activated on Aug. 28 to assist those in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The new activation area on the U.S. mainland includes the majority of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and parts of Alabama.

The Open Homes Program is currently available through Sept. 16, 2019. As a public service announcement, Airbnb is asking news outlets across the southeast to share the following link: https://www.airbnb.com/dorianmainland. This activation for Hurricane Dorian is one of Airbnb’s largest ever activations for a natural disaster.

BACKGROUND:

This concept began organically back in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and has since grown into a global disaster response initiative that makes it easy for Airbnb hosts to provide space for people in need when disasters strike.

Below, please find an official statement from Kellie Bentz, Airbnb's Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief:

“Airbnb’s Open Homes Program continues to be activated for those affected by Hurricane Dorian across the southeast U.S. region. Through the program, those in need of temporary accommodations can connect with Open Homes hosts in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama free of charge. We encourage hosts to open up their homes, and those who need housing to take advantage of the program.”

Kellie Bentz, Airbnb’s Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief